Dallas Mavericks' 2 X-factors for the rest of season are abundantly clear

The NBA's second half of the season is in full swing. Following Thursday's thrilling match, the Dallas Mavericks secured a remarkable victory over the Phoenix Suns with a final score of 123-113, extending their impressive win streak to seven games.

Not only did Dallas beat their rivals, securing a 2-1 in the season series, but they also moved up a spot in the Western Conference standings. The Mavericks knew how big this game was despite being the first game back from All-Star weekend.

The Mavericks' players are all starting to look comfortable. Between injuries, fluctuating starting lineups, and recent trades, the Mavs never had a chance to settle in and get comfortable with one another.

Dallas Mavericks' 2 X-factors for the rest of season are abundantly clear

In particular, we saw P.J. Washington and Josh Green step up and knock down some big shots. Washington seems to be getting more comfortable on the offensive end, and Green has continued the rhythm he found before the All-Star break.

Green is playing some of the best basketball of his career. Being able to keep him while acquiring P.J. Washington is one of the bigger moves that didn't get much coverage considering that the Hornets wanted him.

While Washington is finding his grove offensively, he has been stout on defense. Getting assigned the team's best players every night isn't an easy challenge, but head coach Jason Kidd has a lot of faith in P.J. and commends how he's played defensively.

With less than 30 games in the 2023-2024 NBA season, we will start seeing teams tighten up mistakes and playstyle. The Mavericks continue to find continuity within the group, and the improved play of Josh Green and the potential of P.J. Washington make them the X-Factors for the remainder of the Mavericks' season. When these guys play well, so does the rest of the team, and the Mavs will rely on both of these guys to be a consistent force in the starting lineup.

While the Mavericks look ahead to a tough stretch of games, they're sending a message to the rest of the league. As one of the hottest teams in the league, the Mavericks will look to continue this streak Sunday against the Indiana Pacers. For more news on Josh Green, P.J. Washington, and the Dallas Mavericks stay tuned.